Staples’ UK stores change to Office Outlet

Private investment firm Hilco has wasted no time in relaunching the Staples retail chain in the UK, following its acquisition of the business last November.

Staples was pushed into exploring “strategic alternatives” for its European operations after it was forced by US regulators to shelve a US$6 billion merger with rival Office Depot.

Staples’ 106 UK stores are being renamed Office Outlet. The fresh branding on the revamped stores – which are largely located in out-of-town retail parks – is in keeping with Staples’ traditional red and white colour scheme.

Meantime, some observers have suggested that the Office Outlet branding may just be a stop-gap measure while the private equity firm looks at other alternatives.

Staples’ Australian and New Zealand commercial and education business, which does not include a retail arm, is still on the market.